Lubricating system



April 3, 1934- `F. \c. BLANCHARD 1,953,824

LUBRICATING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 8,v 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet nulml LJ Inve nio 2? E'Pdeza'cz iazward April 3, 1934. F` Q BLANCHARD 1,953,824

LUBRICATING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 8, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inveno r1.-

April 3, 1934 F. c. BLANCHARD 1,953,824 Y LUBRICA'IING SYSTEM Filed Feb. 8, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 in W @Vf/y" ce f Patented Apr. 3, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT; OFFICE Application February 8,

Z2 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic lubricating systems for application to industrial and other machines of various kinds, such as machine tools, wood-working machinery, rubber mills, textile 5 machinery, crushing and pulverizing mills, laundry machines, pumps, paper machinery, sugar mills and printing presses.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the following description when taken l in connection with the accompanying drawings of one specific embodiment thereof, while its scope will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

l Fig. 1 is an elevation, somewhat diagrammatic in character, of a lubricating system exemplifying the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views illustrating in two positions one of the controlling valves of the system;

Figs. 4 and 5 are sectional views illustrating in two positions another of the controlling valves of the system;

Fig. 6 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, illustrating the pumping unit, the reservoir in which it is housed, and the motor and gearing for driving the pumping unit.

Fig. '7 is a vertical, sectional View on an enlarged scale of one of the feeders of the system;

Fig. 8 is asectional View partly in elevation on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. `9 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, illustrating the pumping unit of the system;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view partly in elevation on the line 10--10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view on the irregular line 11-11 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on the line 12-12 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view on the line 13-13 of Fig. 10 and Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line 14--14 of Fig. 10.

Referring to the drawings and to the embodiment of the invention illustrated therein, and having reference at first to Fig. 6, there is shown a lubricating system comprising a tank 15 presenting a reservoir for oil. The tank is provided with a ller cap 16 seated on and about a curb 17 which prevents dirt from falling into the oil when the cap is removed for the filling of the reservoir. A screen 18 is provided to prevent the entrance of foreign matter and to filter the oil. The filler cap is conveniently mounted for movement to one side by mounting the same on a ver- 1929, Serial No. 338,549

tical pin or rod 19 which extends loosely through a cover plate 20 and is encircled by a spring 21 bearing at one end against the under side of the cover plate and at its other end against a suitable abutment 22 secured to the rod. When the cover is lifted this spring yields, and after the cover is lifted clear ofthe curb the cover may be swung laterally to uncover the screen. The cover plate is conveniently secured to the tank by screws 23. A drain plug 24 near the bottom of the reservoir is provided to drain the oil out of the reservoir in case it should be necessary at any time.

Referring now to Fig. 1, leading from and back to the reservoir is a conduit system comprising a plurality of sections of pipe 25 and one or more feeders 26 whose external forms vary somewhat to conform to the requirements of the particular situation where they are to be used. For example, the feeder may be a through feeder designated by the additional character a or a deadend feeder designated by the additional character b.

The feeder illustrated in Figs. 'I and 8 is one of the through feeders which is interposed between and connects two pipe sections, and is coupled thereto by unions 27. The feeder comprises a body or casing 28, provided with a through passage 29 connecting the pipe sections, and providing for the passage of oil past this particular feeder. In the case of the dead-end feeder 26h, the passage does not extend entirely through. Above the passage 29 there is a small, upwardly-directed opening 30 and a valve seat 3l, and above the latter a chamber 32 for a needle valve 33 normally resting on the valve seat and closing the passage 30. The valve is suitably constructed and arranged to respond to a predetermined pressure in the system, as by being loaded with an appropriately arranged spring 34. Herein, the lower end of this spring rests against an abutment 35 presented by the valve, and its upper end against an abutment 36 which is adjustable vertically by a hollow screw 37 threaded into the chamber 32. A steel 1 CTI whence it descends by a lateral passage 39 (see 70 connected by pivots 71 to the piston valves.

Fig. 8) to a nozzle 40. The rate of feed is readily observable through openings 4l in a casing 42, which is threaded onto the valve casing and holds a tubular glass 43. This casing presents a nipple 44 to be screwed into an appropriate opening in or adjacent the bearing to be lubricated.

Returning now to the tank or reservoir (see Fig. 6), the latter affords a housing for a pumping unit designated generally by the numeral 45 having a driving shaft 46 which extends through a bearing bushing 47 and packing gland 48 to the exterior of the casing, where it is provided with a driving element, herein a gear 49, meshing with and driven by a pinion 50 to which power is furnished by appropriate means, herein an electric motor 5l.

The pumping unit will now be described in detail, reference being had at first to 10. The principal part is a casting 52 which has a base 53 (see Fig. 14) secured to a pair or" lugs 54 up-standing from the bottom of the tank. This casting presents bearings 55 and 56 (see Fig. 10) for the shaft 46. It also presents a pair of pump cylinders 57 and a pair of piston valve cylinders 58. All of these cylinders are open at the top. The pump cylinders are closed at the bottom by plugs 59, but the piston valve cylinders are open at the bottom to prevent the trapping of oil which would prevent them iro-in moving. Ports 60 connect the pump cylinders 57 with the piston valve cylinders 58. nlet and outlet ports 6l and 62 are disposed between and intersect the piston valve cylinders 58.

There are two pistons 63, one working in each cylinder, and there are two piston valves 64, one working in each piston valve cylinder. Each piston valve is provided with a reduced portion whose length and location with reference to the piston valve and its relationship with the several ports are such that in the operation of the pump, oil is drawn into the inlet port 61 and is discharged through the outlet port 62. In the position of the parts shown in Fig. l0, the left-hand piston 63 is at the lowest point of its stroke and is ready to start upwardly, while the right-hand piston is at the top of its stroke and is ready to start in a downward direction. The left-hand piston valve is at mid point on its upward stroke and the right-hand piston valve is at mid point on its downward stroke. Under these circumstances the left-hand piston has been forcing oil through the left-hand port 66 around the reduced portion of the left-hand piston valve and into the outlet port 62. Before the left-hand piston starts its up-stroke and before the right-hand piston starts its downstroke, the leftehand piston valve rises and the right-hand piston valve descends. When this happens the reduced portion of the left-hand piston Valve places the left-hand cylinder in communication with the inlet port 61 and the right-hand cylinder in full communication with the outlet port 62. lt follows that the next upstroke of the left-hand piston causes cil to be drawn rom the inlet port 6l into the lefthand cylinder and oil to be forced from the righthand cylinder into the outlet port 62.

The actuation of the pistons is conveniently accomplished by a pair of eccentrios 66 and a pair of eccentric straps 67 encircling the eccentrics and connected by pivots 68 to the pistons. Similarly, the piston valves are actuated by a pair of eccentrios 69 encircled .by eccentric straps While all of the eccentrios might be sec ired to the shaft if it were desired to operate the pump in only one direction, it is desirable that pump shall be capable of operation in either direction for convenience in connecting it to the motor or other power means by which it is to be driven. For this reason, therefore, the eccentrios 69 are secured to a collar 72 which in turn is secured to the driving shaft 46, but the eccentrios 66 are loosely mounted on the shaft and are provided with pins 73 (one of which is well illustrated in Fig. 12), each of which is driven by a collar 74 secured to the shaft and having a lost motion driving connection with the pin, as by providing the collar with a slabbed-off portion 75, the extent of which is such that if the direction of rotation or" the collar be reversed, the collar will travel one-half a revolution before it picks up the pin again. This arrangement in- Ysures a proper timing of the pistons with relation to the piston valves, no matter which way the shaft is rotated.

Referring now to Fig. 14, the inlet of the pump is provided with a strainer 76 mounted in a removable ring 77 which is threaded into an intake elbow 78, the latter in turn being threaded into the casting 52 and having a passage 79 communicating with the inlet port 6l. rhe

strainer 76 is located close to the bottom or" the plate of the reservoir and is threaded into the casting 52 which is provided with a passage 32 communicating with said pipe and intersecting a passage 83, the latter having an outlet 84 adapted to discharge the returning oil into the reservoir. When this outlet is open, the pump circulates oil through the circuit presented by the pipe sections 25 from the reservoir and again at a comparatively low pressure (in practice about four pounds), insufficient to make the feeders respond. When, however, this outlet is closed, as by a valve 85, the pressure in the system rises abruptly to a relatively high. pressure (in practice about sixty pounds), which is sufficient to maire the feeders respond. The degrec of pressure which is developed in the sysl tern when the valve 85 is closed is determined by a pressure relief valve presently to be described. In the present example, the valve 65 is a slowly rotating plate appropriately driven by and in synchronism with the piunp, as by securing the valve by a pin 86 to a worm gear .C

87 which meshes with and is driven by a worm 88 suitably formed on or secured to the 46.

Referring now to Fig. ll, the valve is maintained in irm engagement with the adjacent matic take-up which prevents leakage of the valve when the latter is closed.

In practice the valve 85 is closed once in every fifteen revolutions of the pump and remains closed about five per cent. of the time. When the valve is open the oil has a free circulation and the pressure is only that which is required to overcome friction of flow. When the valve is closed the oil is delivered against a simple pressure relief valve now to be described, as a result of which there is produced in the system a comparatively high pressure for a brief interval of time, the pressure being of sunicient intensity to cause the feeders to respond. If a pressure curve were. taken it would show comparatively long dwells of a pressure insufficient to open the feeders and comparatively short periods of pressure suiiicient to open the feeders.

Referring to Fig. 13, there is provided a pressure relief valve designated generally by the numeral 95, the same comprising a casing 96 threaded into the casting 52 and having a passage 97 communicating with a short passage 9S which in turn communicates with the passage 83. The passage 97 terminates at its upper end `in a valve seat 99 which is controlled by a valve 100 working in a cylindrical chamber 101. above this valve is a comparatively stiif spring 102 whose lower end is seated in a chamber 103 provided in the upper end of the valve and whose upper end rests against an abutment 104 presented'by a plunger 105 which is guided by a cap 106 threaded onto the valve casing 96. A comparatively light spring 107 is interposed between the abutment 104. on the plunger and an abutment 108 presented by the cap 106. A button 109 is attached to the upper end of the plunger.

When the mechanically actuated valve 85 closes the outlet 34 at the return end of the circuit, and the pressure consequently rises, the valve 100 is lifted. Inasmuch as the spring 107 is lighter than the spring 102, the former yields to the greater extent under the influence of the pressure. The venting or relief of the valve is conveniently accomplished by providing the valve with a longitudinal passage 110, constantly communicating with the passage 97 and with one or more, herein several, radial passages 111 leading to a circumferential groove 112. The valve casing is provided with a relief port 118, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 13 and in full lines in Fig. 6. The inner end of this port is only slightly above the circumferential groove 112, and When the valve is lifted against the resistance presented by the springs 102 and 107, the groove registers With the port, and the pressure is relieved by the escape of oil through the relief port 113.

A certain amount of oil leaks past the valve 100 into the chamber 101 above the latter, and this chamber must be vented to prevent the accumulation of oil therein, which would interfere With the proper action of the valve. This x venting is accomplished by tvvo vent ports 114 (see Fig. 9)

Referring again to 13, the button 169 furnishes a visual indication of the integrity of the system, because it rises and falls with the pressure pulsations. If the oil supply were exhausted, or if the pump Were not functioning or developing a proper pressure, the button Would not rise and fall. Similarly, if the oil line were broken, badly leaking or clogged, there Would be no return of oil and the button would remain dormant. This feature is of great practical value, because the operator of the machine or the oil-Wright need only glance at the button to be assured as to the lubrication of the machine.

In practice, the button is marked with the Word Flush. By depressing the button, the heavy spring 102 is compressed, thereby loading the relief valve heavily, so that the pulsation pressure is greatly increased, with a corresponding increase in the amount of oil fed to all the bearings. This simultaneous flushing is advantageous when starting a machine which been idle for some time, or if exceptionally difficult starting conditions must be met. When the button is released, the pressure is automatically restored to normal, and the established feed rates are resumed.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the system is applied to a plurality of machines 115, each having a plurality of bearings 116, each fed by one of the feeders 26. One of these machines is designated by the additional character A, and another by the additional characterB. The machine 115A has its feeders connected in series by pipe connections, which, together with the feeders, constitute a branch leading from the main loop conduit, and this branch terminates in a dead-end feeder 26h. The machine 115B has its feeders connected. in two series by two branches having common connection leading from the main loop conduit, and each of these two branches terminates in a dead-end feeder 26h. Each of the remaining machines 115 has its feeders connected. in series by pipe connections which, together with the feeders, constitute a local, auxiliary loop leading from and back to the main loop conduit.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, each local, auxiliary loop may be connected to and disconnected from the main loop by appropriate valve means, herein a four-Way valve 117, comprising a stator 118 and a rotor 119. rIhe stator is provided with four ports 120 and the rotor is provided with tWo passages 121. As shown in Fig. 2, the stator is in the position in which the local, auxiliary loop is in communication with and, for the time being, virtually a part of the main loop in the sense that the entire column of oil, owing 'through the main loop, iiov-Js through the local, auxiliary loop also. When the rotor is in the position shown in Fig. 3, the local, auxiliary loop is disconnected from the main loop and the column of oil in the main loop flows past the local, auxiliary loop without entering it.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the branches associated with the machines 115A and 115B may be connected to and disconnected from the main loop by appropriate valve. means, herein a three- Way valve 122 comprising a stator 129 and a rotor 12d. The stator is provided With three ports 125 and the rotor is provided with a passage 126. As shown in Fig. f1, the stator is in the position in which the branch is in communication with the main loop and part of the column of oil flowing in the latter is taken off into the branch. When the rotor is in the position shown in Fig. 5, the branch is disconnected from. the main loop and the column of oil in the latter flows past the branch without any oil entering the latter.

Each machine is provided with appropriate power control means for starting and stopping the same. In the example shown, the power control means comprises tight and loose pulleys 127 and 128 on a driving shaft 129, a belt 130,

and a belt shifter comprising a fork 131 and a sliding rod' 132, provided with a handle 133. When the belt is engaged with the tight pulley, as shown, the machine is driven, and when the belt is engaged with the loose pulley, the machine is stopped.

The control or" the machine is conveniently coordinate with the control of its valve by providing the latter with an arm 13d, connected by a link 135 to the rod 132, the arrangement being such that when the machine is running, the valve is in the proper position to cause oil to be supplied to the feeders associated with the machine. When, however, the machine is stopped, the supply of oil is shut oil by the valve. Thus it is evident that the operator of the machine need not give any thought to the lubrication of the machine, except to inspect the sight feeds, and even this inspection may be assigned to one person, such as a department oil-wright in charge of the entire system.

The general operation or the syst be evident without further descr.A tion. rlhe pump, driven by the motor, is continued in operation during wd ng hours, and delivers fresh oil to the system in more than sunicient quantity to satisfy the demands of all the feeders, the surplus being continuously returned to the reservoir and rei-circulated. Each feeder, adjusted to the number oi drops per hour called for by the bearing which it serves, can be checked in an instant by the department oil-wright or by the m chine operator examining the sight feed. The person in charge knows that each system under his care is functioning as a whole, because he sees the indicating and flushing plunger r ciprocate. When the machine is running, the system delivers oil in predetermined amounts to each beaing, the amount to each, of course, being predetermined by adjustment of the spring loadscrew 37. When any machine is idle, no oil delivered. The use or the system is characterised by economy 01": oil. By the accurate and independent aoiustment or" the feed rate at each lubrication point, from two to three drops per hour to substantially a stream, it is possible to deliver a minimum amount oi oil consistent with safety. The system provides against waste, as well as against excess of oil.

The quick pressure impulse of high intensity and the resulting jump of the needle of each feeder produce measurable feed oi short duration, taken from a circulating supply of lubricant. This makes possible much lower feed rates than heretofore regarded as safe. The jump of the feeder needle overcomes any tendency of the oil to form a nlm over the `feed opening. This opening being above the column of cil safeguards it from the entrance of foreign matter which might be in the system. In this manner, grit or dirt oi? any sort is harmlessly carried to the reservoir, where it iiltered out.

Reference is to Patent No. 1,766,702, issued to me lunev 24, 133i), wherein the feeder per se, shown particularly in Figs. 'l and S of this application, is described and claimed. Reference is also made to my copending application, Ser. No. 338,546, wherein there is shown and claimed a lubricating system, some features of which are disclosed in this application.

Having thus described one embodiment of the invention, but without limiting myself thereto, what I claim and desire by Letters ?atent to secure is:

l. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a conduit common to all of said machines, valve means associated with each nia-- chine to control communication between said common conduit and the individual conduit associated with such machine, and means connect-- ing the power control of each machine with the Valve means of such machine to cause the starting and stopping of such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing of the communication of the individual conduit of such machine with said common conduit.

2. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a conduit common to all of said machines, and means to cause starting of each machine to be accompanied by establishment of communication between the individual conduit of such machine and said common conduit and to cause stopping of said machine to be accompanied by disestablishment of such communican tion.

3. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system compri a conduit common to all of said machines and having an outlet for each, and means to cause starting of each machine to be accompanied by the opening of said outlet, and to cause stopping of such machine to be accompanied by the closing of said outlet.

4. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control. oi a lubricating system common to all of said machines and having an outlet leading to each, a plurality of valves, one for each outlet, and means for coordinating the control of the power control of each machine with the valve for such machine.

5. The combination with a machine having a power control, and an extraneous source of power of a lubricating system comprising a conduit having an outlet leading to said machine, a valve for said outlet, and means for coordinating said power control with said valve to cause said valve to open when power from said extraneous source is applied to said machine to start the latter and to close when the application of power from Said source to said machine is discontinued.

6. The combination with a machine having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising a conduit having an outlet leading to said machine, power means distinct from said chine for supplying oil under pressure to said conduit whether or not said inaciine is in operation, a valve for said outlet, and means for coordinating said power control with said valve to cause said Valve to admit oil to said machine when the latter is in operation and to exclude oil from said machine when the latter is not in operation.

7. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising a conduit common to i said machines and having an outlet leading to each, power means for supplying oil under pressure to said conduit whether or not said machines are in operation, a plurality or valves, one for each outlet, and means for coordinating the 'control of the power control of each machine with the valve for such machine.

8. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of suchV machine, a conduit common to all of said machines, power means for supplying oil to said common conduit whether or not said machines are in operation, and means to cause starting of each machine to be accompanied by establishment of communication between the individual conduit of such machine and said coinmon conduit and to cause stopping of said machine to be accompanied by disestablishment of such communication.

9. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a conduit common to all of said machines, power means ior supplying oil to said common conduit whether or not said machines are in operation, valve means associated with each machine to control communication between said common conduit and the individual conduit associated with such machine, and means connecting the power control of each machine with the valve means of such machine to cause the starting and stopping oi such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing o the communication oi the individual conduit of such jmachine with said common conduit.

l0. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one gor more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a source of supply of oil, a conduit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source, valve means associated with each machine to control communication between such common conduit and the individual conduit associated with such machine, and means connecting the power control or each machine with the valve means of such machine to cause the starting and stopping of 'such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing of the communication of the individual conduit of such machine with said common conduit.

ll. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a source of supply of oil, a confluit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source, and means to cause starting of each machine to be accompanied by establishment of communication between the individual conduit of such machine and said common conduit and to cause stopping of said machine to be accompanied by disestablishinent of such communication.

12. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubriveating system comprising a source or supply of oil, a conduit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source and having an outlet for each machine, and means to cause starting of each machine to be accomjpanied by the opening of said outlet, and to cause stopping of such machine to be accompanied by the closing of said outlet.

13. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising a source ci supply of oil, a conduit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source and having an outlet for each machine, a plurality of valves, one for each outlet, and means for coordinating the control of the power control of each machine with the valve for such machine.

ifi. The combination with -a machine having a power control, oi a lubricating system comprising a source oi supply oi oil, a conduit leading from and back to said source and having an outlet leading to said machine, means for causing a circulation of oil 'through said conduit, a valve for said outlet, and means for coordinating said power control with said valve to cause said valve to open when said machine starts and to close when said machine stops.

l5. The combination with a machine having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising a source oi supply of oil, a conduit leading from and back to said source and having an outlet leading to said machine, power means for circulating oil from said source through said conduit and back to said source whether or not said machine is in operation, a valve for'said outlet, and means for coordinating said power control with said valve to cause said valve to open when said machine starts and to close when said machine stops.

16. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising an individual loop conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a source of supply of oil, a main loop conduit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source, valve means associated with 'each machine at will to cause the flow of the column of oil from said main loop conduit through the individual loop conduit of such machine and back to said main loop conduit or to cause the ow of the column past but not through said individual loop conduit, and means connecting the power control of each machine with the valve means ci such machine to cause the starting and stopping of such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing of the communication of the individual loop conduit of such machine with said main loop conduit.

17. The combination with a plurality of machines, of a lubricating system comprising an individual loop conduit associated with each machine and having one or more outlets leading to a bearing or bearings of such machine, a source of supply of oil, a main loop conduit common to all of said machines and leading from and back to said source, and valve means associated with each machine to cause the flow of the column of oil from said main loop conduit through the individual loop conduit of such machine and back to said main loop conduit or to cause the flow of the column past but not through the individual loop conduit.

18. The combination with a plurality of machines, of a source oi supply of oil, a main conduit in the form of a loop which leads from and back to said source, means for circulating oil through said conduit, a plurality of branch conduits each serving one of said machines and each having one or more outlets to supply one or more bearings, and instrumentalities associated with each machine to control such machine and to control communication between said main conduit and the branch conduit which serves such machine.

19. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a source of supply of oil, a main conduit in the form of a loop which leads from and bacl: to said source, means for circulating oil through said conduit, a plurality of branch conduits each serving one of said machines, and each having one or more outlets to supply one or more bearings, valve means associated with each machine to control communication between said main .conduit and i; the branch conduit which serves such machine,

and means connecting the power control of each machine with the Valve means of such machine to cause the starting and stopping of such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing of communication of the branch conduit serving such machine with said main conduit.

20. The combination with a plurality of machines, of a source of supply of oil, a main conduit which leads from said source, means for forcing oil through said conduit, a plurality of branch conduits each serving one of said machines, and each having one or more outlets to supply one or more bearings, and instrumentalities associated with each machine to control such machine and to control communication between said main conduit and the branch conduit which serves such machine.

21. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a source of supply of oil, a main conduit which leads from said source, means for forcing oil through said conduit, a plurality of branch conduits each serving one of said machines, and each having one or more outlets to supply one or more bearings, valve means associated with each machine to control communication between said main conduit and the branch conduit which serves such machine, and means connecting the power control of each machine with the Valve means of such machine to cause the starting and stopping of such machine to be accompanied by opening and closing of communication of the branch conduit serving such machine with the main conduit.

22. The combination with a plurality of machines, each having a power control, of a lubricating system comprising a conduit common to all or" said machines, a plurality of individual conduits, one for each machine and each having one or more pressure-responsive feeders to feed one or more bearings of such machine, means connected to the power control of each machine to place the individual conduit of such machine in communication with said common conduit when such machine is started and to close such communication when such machine is stopped.

FREDERICK C. BLANCHARD. 

